Introduction to sociolinguistic variation and change

Aims

Aims

This module covers the basics of sociolinguistics, the subdiscipline of linguistics which deals with variation and change within languages.  The aims of this module are:

• To foster an awareness of the causes and parameters of variation in language, and the roles of variation in communication
• To familiarise you with key concepts, terminology and theories in describing linguistic variation and language change
• To introduce the methodologies used to investigate variation in (i) phonetics/phonology and (ii) morpho-syntax
• To give you experience in handling data collected from studies of language variation
• To give you experience of the kinds of argumentation employed in interpreting empirical data
• To teach you something of the value of studying variation for the development of linguistic theory

Knowledge outcomes

• A general understanding of the causes and effects of linguistic variation and change
• A general understanding of methodologies for studying variation and change
• Students will develop an awareness of the ethical considerations involved in performing empirical work in the field
• A general understanding of how studying variation and change contributes to linguistic theory, and vice versa

Behavioural outcomes

• Students will learn to identify variation in spontaneous speech
• Students will be able to identify internal and external constraints on variability
• Students will develop an ability to interpret statistics
• Students will be able to conduct small scale innovative research on variation